Archive for November 28th, 2007
Aloe vera, Herbal therapies used by people living with HIV
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007Aloe vera is a tropical plant grown in many homes. The jelly-like substance found in the leaves is used to treat minor burns and cuts. It may also be used to treat skin problems associated with HIV and anti-HIV drugs. As with burns or cuts, the juice of a fresh plant can be applied directly [...]
Complementary Therapies for People Living With HIV
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system with its own unique philosophy, diagnostics and treatment methods. The goal of TCM is to balance the yin (vital function) and the yang (vital essence). One analogy describes yang as the gear and yin as the grease that allows the gear to [...]
HIV/AIDS and Alternative Therapies
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007What is Alternative Medicine?
The terms “alternative,” “complementary,” or “unconventional” therapy cover a broad range of healing philosophies and approaches. Some approaches are consistent with physiological principles of Western medicine, while others constitute independent healing systems. Some therapies are so far outside the realm of accepted medical theory and practice that they are difficult to subject [...]
Exercise junkie
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007When I told my husband my next writing assignment dealt with people addicted to exercise, he couldn’t contain himself.
“Ha! You mean, like you?” he asked.
Funny, but not much of a joke, really. I do exercise a lot, pretty much every day—running, biking, skiing, climbing, you name it—and I’m all the happier for it. Sure, these [...]
Breast Check
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007Do mandatory mammograms do more harm than good?
“Time to make breast pancakes,” says one friend of mine, referring to her scheduled mammography screening. And although she may crack jokes about the experience, she’s never once questioned the need for her annual pilgrimage, nor has her physician discussed the risks versus the benefits it entails. After [...]
Aspirin
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007What is the most important information I should know about aspirin?
Aspirin should not be given to a child or teenager who has a fever, especially if the child also has flu symptoms or chicken pox. Aspirin can cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called Reye’s syndrome in children.
Stop using this medication and call your [...]
Metformin
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007What is the most important information I should know about metformin?
Do not use metformin if you have kidney disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
Before taking metformin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or a history of heart disease.
Some people have developed [...]
Abuterol Inhilation
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007What is the most important information I should know about albuterol inhalation?
It is important to use this medication regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. Keep using all of your other medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Call your doctor right away if you feel that [...]
